First match of season comes day after village festivities

THE CANARIES are hoping this season will give them cause to celebrate - and especially now it’s been announced they will kick off their new season at home on Barwell Carnival weekend.

The day after the village’s biggest outdoor event of the summer, on Saturday August 16, will see arguably Barwell FC’s biggest home game of the season when they welcome FC United of Manchester on the Sunday, August 17.

The first game of the Evo Stik Northern Premier Division season had initially been scheduled on the same day as the carnival - but due to road closures and the expected numbers for both events, the match has been put back by a day.

A club spokesman said: “Last season’s fixture yielded a crowd of 1,809 which swelled the terraces at Kirkby Road.

“A Sunday fixture could bring even more as supporters from all around will descend on the Canaries’ home ground.”

Kick off will be at 3pm.

This is followed by Grantham Town away, Marine away and Halesowen Town at home.